It was ice creams and sun lotion all round at Ireland’s largest country event, Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair today (Thursday) as the feature dressage action kicked off in glorious sunshine with temperatures reaching up 24 degrees Celsius. Most dressage phases for the first two days of eventing action, except for the short format CIC3* and the CC12*, are now complete with one of Ireland’s favourite riders Jonty Evans in an overnight sixth position and best of the Irish score of 28.7 in the feature CCI3*, sponsored by The Irish Field just four marks off the leader Alex Hua Tian from China on a score of 24.6.

Overnight results on The Irish Field CCI3*;

Alex Hua Tian from China on Don Geniro 24.6

Ludwig Svennerstal from Sweden on El Kazir SP 25.5

Tim Price from New Zealand on Cekatinka 27.4

Jonty Evans from Ireland on Clara M 28.7

In the Land Rover CCI1*, the dressage phase is currently led by Great British rider Holly Woodhead on Global H (pictured above) with a score of 23.9 whilst best of the Irish is Ella Boyle on Candy 737 with an overnight score of 27.7.

The Cooley Farm CCIYH1* for 6 and 7 year old horses is being led by overnight leader Laura Collett from Great Britain with Calmaro taking a score of 21.8 whilst best of the Irish is well known Irish international Meath rider Esib Power on her DSL The Entertainer close by on a score of 25.9.

The Connolly’s Red Mills CCI2* for Under 25 riders is led by Great Britain’s Tom Jackson on Court Casper with a score of 25.7 whilst the leading Irish rider is rapidly rising star Cathal Daniels on his LEB Lias Jewel on 30.4.

The Berney Brothers CCI2* for ponies sees Irish riders taking up the first three places overnight with Tara Dixon in the lead with her Carracanada Kieran with a score of 28.0.

In the Kubota CCIJ1* Ireland hold the top five positions overnight with Katie Riley in first position with Versace Biscuit on a score of 25.2.

Advance ticket sales are already up 10% on last year as huge crowds are anticipated for the all action cross country which starts tomorrow (Friday) and runs until Sunday.

Tatts 2018 combines world class sport with a quintessential country fair and aside from the equestrian competition; the weekend is tailored especially for families with free admission for under 12’s. The Kids Zone is packed with fun; the highlight are the novelty dog shoe and the mini-puissance ponies who will be jumping a specially made wall! Carnival Rides, activity area for older kids is sure to capture the imagination along with a shopping village of over 80 shops.